Friday, January 25, 2008

Last time, we dissected our numbers and broke down Nymbler’s Top Ten names of 2007. But now, we’re turning our eyes on popular baby names outside the US. What we learned is that, when English is the language, some names are truly global.

Worldwide, Jack has a strong showing on a few lists. (Remember, Jack was first in Nymbler’s Top Ten.) In England, Australia and New ZealandJack took the top spot in the most popular boys’ names of 2007. Scotland made up its own mind though, with Lewis kicking the reigning Jack out of first place.

The girls’ lists are a little more complicated. In England, Grace topped the list and Ava (Nymbler’s #1) was nowhere to be found. Australians chose the name Olivia most for their newborn girls. And the close by New Zealand chose Ella as the top girls’ name. In Scotland, Sophie took the top spot.

In a completely different area of the world, the Japanese top ten list was led by Hiroto (male) and Aoi (female.) Hiroto is made up of two Japanese characters meaning “big” and “flying in the air.” Aoi’s character is representative of the mallow plant, a medicinal plant.

While the global lists don’t match up, one thing’s for sure, families will always be naming their new additions and Nymbler will be there counting the names.